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Jun 01
Water Saving Tips

Water Saving Tips

By Gilbert Arizona, plumbing, plumbing tips, water heaters No Comments

Remember water is a valuable resource that shouldn’t be wasted.

Your water is clean, safe and convenient but you have to pay for its treatment and the system to deliver it to you. By conserving water in your home, you also save energy needed to heat it or run appliances.

Two thirds of the water used in an average home is used in the bathroom, and a lot of it goes into the sewer. From 2-7 gallons of water are used every time a toilet is flushed. Do not use the toilet to flush items that can go in a wastebasket or garbage can.

Be aware of toilet leaks. Be sure to check toilets at the property! Toilet leaks are the most common and are hard to see or hear. Put food coloring or laundry bluing in the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. Do not flush the toilet during this time. If the coloring appears in the toilet bowl, there is a toilet leak. Also, if you hear the toilet refilling and no one has used it, there is a leak. A major toilet leak can waste 800 cubic feet of water a day — which would cost over $24.00 for water and over $23.00 for sewer each day. That adds up to over $1,400.00 a month!

You may have been advised to take showers rather than baths to conserve water. If you take a long shower, however, you may use more water than if you took a bath. Long, hot showers not only waste water but also energy to heat the water. Consider using reduced-flow devices for shower heads.

Don’t leave the water running while you shave or brush your teeth. You are just running clean water down the drain.

Turn down the temperature on your water heater. If you set the temperature at 120° F or below, you will save about 4% of your energy cost per 10° that you lower your thermostat.

Flush Your Water Heater.
Flushing your water heater regularly ( every six months)will help you save money and extend your hot water heaters life.

Jul 14

My Water Stinks Like Rotten Eggs!

By hot water, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, rotten egg smell No Comments

Does your water smell in your pipes? Or did someone recently make rotten eggs?

Recently we had a call come in that has inspired this blog post. The customer has an issue where in her bathroom, the two sinks smell like rotten eggs when running the hot water. It doesn’t smell when running the cold water and it is only in the bathroom, not in the kitchen sink or other rooms.

Our plumbing technician, without being able to look at the problem at their location, surmises that it’s the magnesium anode going bad in the water heater. He’ll confirm that with a follow up visit.

Replacing your anode rod at regular intervals may increase the life of your water heater, saving you money, time and the inconvenience of having to replace your water heater.

Top 7 reasons to replace your anode rod:

  • Your hot water starts smelling like “rotten eggs”
  • You want your water heater to last a long time
  • It will cost you less to replace the anode rod than your water heater
  • Water softeners can accelerate anode rod corrosion
  • The water heater makes loud or multiple popping noises when heating up
  • Your water heater is more than 5 years old
  • Your faucet aerators seem to clog more frequently

Call your local City Wide Plumber at 480-966-8795 if you need help diagnosing your smells or you would like more information. Thank you!

Jan 17

Slab Leak Calls Increase for our Local Mesa Customers

By Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, Slab Leaks No Comments

We have noticed an increase in the number of slab leak calls from our Mesa customers in December and January. The cold weather is a huge factor in this.

If you are walking around your home in your bare feet and feel a hot spot on your floor, you may be right to suspect a slab leak.

City Wide Plumbing has leak detection and video camera equipment that are used to inspect your pipelines for gas and hot and cold water leaks. Our Service plumbers conduct pipeline leak testing under concrete slab, asphalt, and behind walls, and follow up with repair or replacement of the damaged section of pipe.

Special slab leak detection equipment is employed to locate and repair leaky pipes under the concrete foundation of your home or business. If you have high water bills or hear water running in the walls call 480-966-8795 today.

 

Aug 09

Congratulations Build America and Journey of Hope

By Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing No Comments

Congratulations Build America and Journey of Hope for another awesome summer of doing all the amazing things you do!

journeyofHope-washington2Journey of Hope road their bicycles across the United States from the west coast to Washington DC covering 32 states and over 32,000 miles fundraising and spreading  the message of acceptance and understanding for people with disabilities.

Build America spent six weeks traveling the country visiting camps to build handicap accessible fishing piers, nature trails, climbing walls and many other amenities providing opportunities for campers to experience everything summer camp has to offer. Throughout the summer, the team logged over 4,000 man hours, saved camps and communities $50,000 in labor costs, over $30,000 in materials expenses and impacted the lives of thousands of people with disabilities.

City Wide Plumbing is a proud supporter of Push America for more information or to see what they were up to this summer please visit their website at  http://www.pushamerica.org/.

Jul 30

How To Choose an Honest Affordable Plumber

By broken pipes, find a plumber, Gilbert Arizona, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumber, plumbing, Slab Leaks No Comments

How To Choose an Honest and Affordable Plumber

The last thing we want is to be taken advantage of by our service providers. Most homeowners have no expertise when it comes to faulty or leaky water heaters, broken pipes, clogged drains, under slab leaks, sewage backing up in your house or any other horror story imaginable.

Choosing a great plumbing company before you have a plumbing emergency is the best strategy. Then you won’t be as stressed when a plumbing problem strikes.

Let’s face it. You are asking someone to come into your home or office to face a potentially messy situation that can possibly be quite expensive. You want the best plumber you can hire, who can get the job done quickly and afford-ably.

Here are some tips to choose the right plumbing company.

  1. How long have they been in business? If they have been around for a long time, you know they are solid citizens who are trusted by homeowners.
  2. Is the plumbing company licensed and insured? A shady operator won’t be able to get or keep a contractor’s license or liability insurance.
  3. Do they offer free estimates? You don’t want any surprises and either does a reputable plumbing company. A good company will tell you what to expect before they start the repairs.
  4. Are the plumber’s service vehicles clean? You can tell a lot about pride of workmanship by the condition of the company’s vehicles and equipment.
  5. Is the phone answered professionally or is it a “home business” where even a child may answer the phone? You can tell if you’re working with professional technicians or just a handyman by how the phone is answered.
  6. Does the plumbing company promise fast response? If your taking cold showers, have a broken pipe, or a backed up sewer line, you want a plumber who promises to get on the job in usually less than an hour.
  7. Does the plumbing company offer a warranty on the parts, equipment, and on their labor if something doesn’t function later? You want to hire a company that stands behind their work.

These 7 tips were provided by: https://citywideplumbingaz.com/

Jun 26

WELCOME TO TEMPE JOURNEY OF HOPE RIDERS!!!!

By plumbing No Comments
Journey of Hope Pi Kappa Phi

Journey of Hope
Pi Kappa Phi

Journey of Hope is one of the many charities that City Wide Plumbing proudly supports. We would like to welcome Pi Kappa Phi gentleman to the City of Tempe. The Journey of Hope is a cross-country cycling trip from Long Beach, CA to Washington DC which
focuses on raising money and awareness for people with disabilities. The
Journey is the flagship event of Push America, the national non-profit of Pi
Kappa Phi Fraternity. The team cycles approximately 80 miles everyday, and they
will be arriving in Tempe today and staying til Friday morning before
leaving for Globe, AZ. We’re especially excited that two members of this year’s
team are from the ASU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity! . For more information or if you would like to contribute please visit their website http://www.pushamerica.org/journeyofhope.aspx

Welcome to Tempe Arizona guys and good luck on your trip to D.C.!!!

May 10

Locate! Locate! Locate!

By home repairs, Phoenix Plumbing, plumber, plumbing, plumbing repairs, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, remodeling No Comments

I cannot stress enough how important it is to locate your utilities before starting a home improvement project. No matter how big or small the project, locating your utilities first will save  you spending money in unnecessary repairs later. Call Blue Stake before you dig for public utilities outside of your home. Call your local plumber or locating company for all private utilities inside your home.

This is an example of a small job gone wrong. A company came out to install a doggie door. As they cut into the block wall they got flooded with water. The tech installing the door cut through a copper water pipe. Luckily the homeowner is not out any money, the company is taking care of the repairs, but this could have all been avoided had they had the utilities located first. After the plumbing, concrete patch and paint, I’m sure the company is going to spend more on repairs then it cost to put the door in.

Apr 05

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.

By Gilbert Arizona, hot water, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, Slab Leaks, water heaters No Comments

Here at City Wide Plumbing we do our best to do our part in reducing, reusing, and recycling. We only install energy star rated water heaters, recirculation pumps and use low flow toilets, faucets and fixtures. We also recycle any old and broken material.  Not only do our efforts help keep trash out of the land field, it also helps out customers save money.

The following are some additional tips from the EPA’s WaterSense Program.

Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program encourages Americans to check and replace leaky plumbing fixtures and sprinkler systems, helping households save more than 10,000 gallons of water per year and as much as 10 percent on utility bills.

“Easy-to-fix household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, which is equal to the amount of water used by more than 11 million homes,” said EPA Acting Administrator for the Office of Water Nancy Stoner. “We’re not just wasting water; families also lose money from leaks with higher utility bills. That’s why Fix a Leak Week is so important, and why we encourage everyone to take a few simple steps that add up to make a significant positive impact.”

In just 10 minutes, businesses and homeowners can:

  1. Check winter water bills and fixtures for water waste;
  2. Twist and tighten pipe and hose connections; and
  3. Consider replacing broken or inefficient fixtures with WaterSense-labeled models.

If winter water usage for a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, it’s likely that the home has a leak problem. Here are some easy tips:

  • Check toilets for silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank at the back and, if after 10 minutes, color shows up in the bowl before flushing, it may be time to make an easy repair and replace the flapper.
  • Check outdoor hoses for damage from winter frost and tighten connections at the water source.
  • For in-ground sprinkler systems, a professional certified through a WaterSense-labeled program can inspect sprinkler heads and pipes for signs      of leakage and help homeowners maintain an efficient system and healthy lawn.
  • Check additional plumbing and outdoor fixtures for leaks. They may just need a quick twist or pipe tape.Learn more about fixing leaks, find a certified irrigation professional,      or search for WaterSense labeled plumbing and irrigation products: http://www.epa.gov/watersense.
Feb 07

It’s the Law: Before you dig, call Arizona Blue Stake!

By backflow cages, backflow device, backflow prevention theft, drain stoppages, freeze protection, Gilbert Arizona, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, Slab Leaks No Comments

Arizona Blue Stake was established by utility owners as a one-call notification system to assist local homeowners and excavators in identifying the location of underground utilities to prevent damages to facilities.

Notify the Arizona Blue Stake Center at least two (2) working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before excavating to have all underground pipelines and facilities located and marked.

Calling 811 will help save lives and protect infrastructure. Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before each digging project begins helps protect you from personal injury, expense and penalties. There may be multiple utility lines in the same area at varying depths. Even simple digging projects can damage utility lines and disrupt vital services to an entire community. Having underground utilities located can help prevent undesired consequences

Wait for the project site to be marked by all utility owners. Once all utilities have been properly located, you are officially ready to dig.

Respect and protect the marks. Have utility lines re-marked if initial markings are more than fifteen (15) days old.

Use caution when digging. Always hand dig within two feet of either side of any marked line. Some utility lines may be buried at a shallow depth, and an unintended shovel

Be Aware utility companies may not mark where the line continues into your property (anything on your property is considered privately owned and maintained.

If damage occurs, notify the appropriate facility owner IMMEDIATLY.

Each marking represents the location of the underground facilities and the color represents the type of utility (gas, water, electric, communication, etc…). These marks are temporary and fade with time.

White– proposed excavation

Pink– Temporary Survey

Red– Electric, traffic signals and street lights

Yellow– natural gas, petroleum, nitrogen, butane, and propane.

Orange– Communication, cable television, fiber optics

Blue water systems, slurry pipes, irrigation and wells

Purple– reclaimed water

Green– Sanitary Sewer Systems

 

There is a penalty for failure to comply. Owners of underground facilities must locate and mark all their facilities at that location within 48 hours. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $ 5000. You or a contractor cannon begin excavating until all utilities have been marked or be subject to a maximum fine of $ 5000.

 

Information courtesy of:

Arizona Blue Stake

Arizona Corporation Commission

City of Mesa

City of Scottsdale

 

 

Dec 18

Emergency Water Shut Off

By Gilbert Arizona, holiday plumbing emergency, holidays, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, Slab Leaks, water heaters No Comments

It is important to know where your water shut off valves are located. You also need to make sure that the valves are in proper working order. Internal shut off valves are usually located behind toilets, refrigerators, wash machines, under kitchen and lavatory sinks, and above water heaters. If any of those items malfunction you can quickly shut off the water to isolate the problem and have a lower risk of water damage. There is also a main water shut off valve located outside on the main service riser. If the valves inside are not working or you can not locate the valve you can shut off the water to the entire house. Some town homes, condos, or apartments may not have service riser shut off valve if this is the case or if the valve is not working you can call your local water company emergency line and have them shut off the water at the meter.

Call your local plumber for a location and inspection of your shut off valves. Also test them regularly, after time the valves can corrode and freeze.

Dec 07

What is a slab leak?

By Gilbert Arizona, holiday plumbing emergency, holidays, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, Slab Leaks, SLIPP, water heaters No Comments

Leaking pipes inside or underneath the concrete of a house’s floor or foundations are called slab leaks.

What are signs of a slab leak?

  • Hear running water, when no water should be running.
  • Warm or hot spots on the floor
  • Cracks in walls or floor
  • Mildew, excessive moisture under carpet, or musty odor
  • High water bills

What to do if you think you have a slab leak?

Call a plumber who specializes in leak detection or a locating professional to pinpoint the location of the leak using thermal imaging, pipe locating, and sound equipment.

If a leak is detected, how does a plumbing professional repair it?

One option is to jackhammer the floor and repair the leak in the ground. A plumbing professional will take up some tile or carpet and jackhammer the concrete to reach the leaking pipe. They will then cut out the bad section of pipe and solder a new one in place, and most companies will rough patch the concrete. It us up to the homeowner to replace any tile or carpet but some home owners insurance will cover this type of repair.

 A second option is the reroute the line. This is where a plumber will run a new line from through the walls and attic to eliminate the leaking pipe in the ground. Most plumbers will only reroute one line unless you would like to re pipe the entire home. This option does cause some damage to the drywall and most insurance companies will not cover this type of repair.

Oct 16

When you need plumbing for your home away from home, call City Wide for all your plumbing needs.

By drain stoppages, holiday plumbing emergency, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble, Slab Leaks, water heaters No Comments

We have hundreds of satisfied Apache Junction Arizona customers, winter visitors, and out of state customers with property in the East Valley and Metro Phoenix. City Wide Plumbing is licensed, bonded, and insured. Call 480-966-8795 and we will help.

Our plumbers get many work opportunities due to the constant plumbing maintenance on winter vacation homes in the EastValley and Apache Junction. Our plumbers provide their services to commercial office buildings, hotels and residential homes.

Need a referral for another type of contractor?   We have names and phone numbers of tile setters, flooring contractors and air conditioning contractors that we have used for many years. This way you can hire contractors you can count on!

Aug 16

Drain Stoppage Prevention Tips From Your Local Tempe Plumber

By drain stoppages, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing tips, plumbing trouble No Comments

Avoid clogging your kichen drain  by not placeing hard-to-grind, stringy, fibrous waste, such as poultry skins, banana peels, carrots, celery, or cantaloupe pulp, down the garbage disposal. The disposal can’t sufficiently grind these food products and it will clog your sink drain. You need to also run cold water down the drain for about 15 seconds prior to using the garbage disposal and after to flush the waste down the main drain.

If you have a musty sewer smell permiating in areas of your home try running  water in all drains chances are the musty smell is from dried out plumbing. If this doesnt work or the smell comes back a couple days later call a professional you may have other plumbing issues.

Make sure you avoid pouring fats down the drain. Fats can solidifywhich can cause a drainage issue and clog your pipes. Pour fats and different types of cooking oils in a throw away caontainer such as an old milk jug or old coffee can and throw out with your garbage.

To help prevent hair from clogging your drains, install strainers in each tub and shower to capture the hair before it goes down the drain. When combined with soap build-up, hair can bring your drains to a complete standstill.

Jun 19

Huge Plumbing Warehouse Fire Gilbert

By Gilbert Arizona, local news, Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing No Comments

by Stacey Delikat

Email | Follow: @SDelikat3TV

GILBERT, Ariz. — The massive fire that blanketed the East Valley with thick, black smoke on Monday afternoon leveled a long-standing plumbing company and destroyed millions of dollars worth of supplies.

Jack Stapley, a co-owner of Farnsworth Plumbing Supply Company, estimated $8 million worth of supplies burned.

He said a warehouse was destroyed and an office building facility was also badly damaged.

The business has been in Gilbert near McQueen and Baseline roads for 18 years.

The fire started shortly after 3 p.m. Monday and burned intensely for nearly three hours. As of 10 p.m., crews were still working to put out hot spots and cool down the grounds.

Firefighters were still on the scene Tuesday morning to keep an eye some little fires that were still burning and make sure they didn’t blow up into another conflagration.

With Monday’s massive flames came a series of explosions as propane tanks on the property blew up.

Employees of nearby businesses reported hearing the explosions and feeling vibrations.

“It was not unlike a very sudden earthquake, you could feel it through your feet and through the windows, it was like a bomb went off,” said Carson Meyers, who works at a neighboring company that was evacuated as a precaution.

Other witnesses reported seeing debris fly through the air.

“Big, industrial shipping pallets flying 100 feet in the air,” Peter Wendt said.

Stapley said the other branches of the Farnsworth company, which include a waterworks and air conditioning business, were not impacted and will be open for business Tuesday.

Close to 200 firefighters were brought in from Mesa, Chandler and Tempe to help Gilbert crews battle the flames amidst intense temperatures that reached 113 degrees.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

From http://www.azfamily.com/Global/story.asp?S=28350056

Jun 14

GOOD LUCK PI KAPPA PHI

By Phoenix Plumbing, plumbing

City Wide Plumbing proudly supports the local chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity in everything they do. We want to give a shout out and a good luck high five to all the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members who are about to embark on a wonderful 6 week cross country road trip with Build America.

To read more please click the link. http://www.statepress.com/2012/06/10/students-prepare-for-charity-road-trip/

If you would like to donate please visit – http://ipush.convio/goto/kquinn

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